The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Tuesday inaugurated a 21-member ad-hoc committee tasked with overseeing the administration of Rivers State during its ongoing State of Emergency. This move underscores the National Assembly’s commitment to constitutional governance, transparency, and national unity amid the crisis in the state.
The committee, chaired by House Leader Rep. Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, with Rep. Ali Isa J.C. as Deputy Chairman, includes prominent members such as Rep. Idris Ahmed Wase, Rep. Aliyu Muktar Betara, Rep. Sada Soli, Rep. James Abiodun Faleke, and Rep. Wole Oke, among others. The committee will play a crucial role in maintaining governance and public order in Rivers following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a six-month State of Emergency on March 18.
In his address at the National Assembly, Speaker Abbas emphasized that the formation of the committee marked a significant step in upholding constitutional order and ensuring transparent governance in Rivers. He highlighted that the declaration was made under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, in response to what was deemed a “grave crisis threatening public order.” Abbas pointed out that such declarations have historically required the National Assembly’s intervention to maintain constitutional governance.
The Speaker clarified that the caretaker administration led by Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.) is temporary and focused solely on restoring law and order until democratic governance is reinstated. He urged committee members to carry out their duties impartially and to support peacebuilding efforts in Rivers State.
In his response, Committee Chairman Rep. Ihonvbere assured that the committee would operate with integrity, professionalism, and impartiality, stressing their commitment to the task ahead. The committee is expected to submit regular reports, monitor federal policy implementation in Rivers, and ensure the caretaker government functions within constitutional limits.
Source: Punch
